Before giving out any assignments to new students each school year, Christina Landry works toward an assignment of her own. “Before I can teach them, they need to trust me,” Landry said. She looks to establish a strong foundation for learning at the outset of her time with students, making every child feel safe, loved and valued. Likewise, she wants to build connection with their families so they can work together to maximize the student’s learning experience, and ultimately their potential. “I think it’s so important to start by establishing a relationship with them and building a community with their family.